Eugenio Bocchino 2010 Roccabella – Langhe Nebbiolo Discovery

It’s been a minute since I name checked my favorite grape variety Nebbiolo. But a nice Langhe Nebbiolo can work well at any time of the year, summer included. The Eugenio Bocchino “Roccabella” Langhe Nebbiolo has been on my radar for a while thanks to the kind folks at Frankly Wines. They have been pointing me in the direction of this awesome Langhe Nebbiolo for some time, but recently I finally relented and bought a bottle. Perhaps I resisted because I thought I might really like it.

My hunch proved right; this is a seriously good Nebbiolo, especially for $21.99. It walks a fine like between the expressive fruits of youth and the suggestion of something more serious to come in the future. It also makes me realize how much I love unadulterated Nebbiolo in it’s youth as much as when it’s mature. Maybe Nebbiolo is something like Pinot Noir in Burgundy; you either drink it young or mature, but not in between? Actually I think there is more latitude with Nebbiolo, and maybe that’s one more reason why it is my favorite grape and Pinot Noir is not!

Eugenio Bocchino 2010 Roccabella, Langhe Nebbiolo $21.99

Spiced dark red fruits. Tart cherry and hints of black liquorish and lavender and herbs. It is fairly harmonious now despite the moderate tannins, this could actually age quite well. Nice presence and length. Purchased at Frankly Wines. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED – EXCELLENT VALUE